Lads leave it late…

Sunderland left it late to defeat Barnsley at home 2-0, scoring two goals in a rousing final ten minutes.

Another uninspiring home performance against dismally poor opposition seemed to be heading for a draw, despite Sunderland’s late efforts that were constantly repelled by impressive visiting keeper Nick Colgan.

However Dean Whitehead, relieved of the captaincy, and the impressive Chris Brown, both scored late deserved goals to give Roy Keane his second home win as Sunderland manager.

Barnsley never threatened, Varga and Cunningham comfortable at the back, with Danny Collins also putting in a faultless performance. Nosworthy was not as assured, but ‘keeper Darren Ward made a solid home debut, showing calmness, composure and confidence despite having little to do. All traits that youngster Ben Alnwick should look to learn from the experienced stopper.

However despite Barnsley’s lack of potency, Sunderland rarely looked capable of opening them up in a first half then failed to create a single chance for either side.

Lawrence lacked confidence, Murphy looked like he didn’t want to be there, but the class act was undoubtedly Diwght Yorke, revelling in the deeper midfield role he occupied at the World Cup for his country. He even made Whitehead look better, as the now ex-captain looked more comfortable alongside the experienced Yorke, as shown with his well taken goal.

Ironcially it was two of the poorest performers who created it, Lawrence and Nosworth linking well before cutting back for Deano, who finished well.

Ross Wallace was introduced for the lacklustre Murphy, and immediately showed the Irishman how to play on the wing, with pace, power, dribbling skills and dynamism immediately conjuring up a goal for Chris Brown, who alongside David Connolly, worked tirelessly all day.

On another day it could well have been 4 or 5, with Connolly impressing late on and unfortunate not to get a goal, but while Barnsely were poor, a thumping would still have flattered an ever unconvincing Sunderland side.

However, credit where credit is due, the lads perservered and still came away with the points. As Keane and his hoards of Manchester United fans know, this is a good team trait to have.